What alcoholic beverages make the best after dinner drinks?

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Quick Answer

Some of the most popular after dinner drinks include cognac, brandy and scotch. Sweeter fortified wines such as ports and sherries are also popular, as are cordials, sweet cocktails and shooters made with a variety of liqueurs. Hot drinks made with coffee and spirits are popular during cooler weather.

Cordials are flavored liqueurs that are served in cordial glasses or may be mixed in coffee drinks, cocktails or shooters. Some of the most popular cordials include Amaretto, Kahlúa, Irish Cream, Frangelico, Sambuca and Southern Comfort.

Sweet cocktails are popular after dinner and include classic drinks such as the Brandy Alexander, the Chocolate Martini and the Black Russian. To make a Brandy Alexander, mix 3 parts brandy, 1 part creme de cacao and 4 parts half-and-half. To make a Chocolate Martini, mix 2 parts vanilla vodka and 1 part each of chocolate liqueur and creme de cacao, then pour over ice. To make a Black Russian, mix equal parts vodka and coffee liqueur in a shaker with ice.

Shooters include drinks such as the B-52 and the Chocolate Cake shots. A B-52 is made with equal parts of coffee liqueur, Irish Cream and Grand Marnier. Pour equal layers of coffee liqueur, Irish cream and Grand Marnier. If desired, light the Grand Marnier before taking the shot.

To make a Chocolate Cake shot, pour equal parts of vodka and hazelnut liqueur into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain the mixture into a shot glass. Drink the shot, and then bite a lemon wedge coated with sugar.